Blue Monday, Red Letter Day for Community Groups and Organisation in North Ayrshire

Blue Monday, officially deemed as the most depressing day of the year, will bring good news to many third sector organisations in North Ayrshire who support good mental health and wellbeing. 102 groups and organisations applied for funding in Year 2 of the Scottish Government's Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing fund, leading to an ask of nearly £1,012 million from a total fund of £404,782. In a remarkable outcome from the process, led by Arran Community and Voluntary Service (Arran CVS), partner in the Third Sector Interface North Ayrshire (TSI), The Green Health Partnership and statutory partners, dug deep to top up the funding to £506,982 and boost the benefits that the wealth of projects will bring to the people of North Ayrshire. Just over £30,000 of this year's awards have come from the Children, Young People & Families Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, which has allowed a range of projects that focus on the mental wellbeing of young people and families, and that compliment many of the adult projects, also to be funded this year.

Partners from Health and Social Care, Community Planning, other organisational representatives, and people with lived experience, were brought together through pre-existing positive TSI relationships, to review and discuss the applications over a 12-week period. The process highlighted the many worthy, creative, locally driven projects from groups who had grown in strength to meet local needs during the pandemic.

Lesley Forsyth, Senior Manager at North Ayrshire Council said "The challenges relating to mental health and wellbeing as a result of peoples lived experiences over the last few years is immense. The awards being made via this funding highlights the wide range of innovative and creative ideas that local communities have developed to assist in delivering local solutions. It's truly amazing to see the diverse range of community groups and their different approaches come together in this way - all with the aim of addressing the important issue of caring for our mental health."

Vicki Yuill, Chief Officer of Arran CVS said, 'the strength of applications received have been phenomenal and highlights the quality of local groups and organisations in our communities. Building on the success of Year 1, the Year 2 funded projects, driven by locally recognised and developed solutions, will continue to create impact, enhance, and improve support where it is needed most. It was undoubtedly the opportunity for partners to read about the planned activities which led to the overwhelming support received. This has been a great chance to learn more about the aspirations of our sector and  we look forwards to contacting the groups and organisations with good news. For applications which are not funded, support will be offered from a development officer to source alternative funds.

Blue Monday Press Release Year 2